Flexible Stone Lamella via Grooved Microfracture Composite Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining flexible stones, such as those used in architectural decoration, require additives and are not suitable for decorative articles like jewelry, watches, or fashion items, lacking the desired visual and tactile characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled microfracturing of a stone slab with laser-etched grooves, adhered to a flexible support, and pressed to create cracks, resulting in a flexible composite lamella suitable for decorative items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing methods are used to obtain flexible stones for architectural decoration, then the stone can be made flexible, but additives must be added to the stone material which compromises visual and tactile characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The stone is divided into multiple thin slabs through laser cutting, creating a segmented structure that allows flexibility without requiring additives. The grooves created by laser cutting further segment the stone material, enabling it to bend while maintaining its natural appearance and properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by bonding multiple thin stone slabs together with adhesive layers. This composite construction provides flexibility while preserving the natural characteristics of the stone, avoiding the need to add substances that would compromise visual and tactile properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stone is made thinner to improve flexibility, then the stone becomes more flexible, but the stone loses structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The stone is cut into multiple thin slabs rather than using a single thick piece. This segmentation allows each individual slab to be thin and flexible while the collection of slabs bonded together maintains overall structural strength through the composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple thin stone slabs are bonded together using adhesive layers to form a composite structure. This merging of multiple thin elements creates a unified structure that has both the flexibility of thin material and the strength of a thicker composite assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If grooves are laser-cut deeper into the stone to increase flexibility, then the stone becomes more flexible, but the manufacturing precision and surface quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting deep grooves that would compromise surface quality, the invention segments the stone into multiple thin slabs. This approach achieves flexibility through the layered structure rather than through deep surface grooving, preserving surface quality while obtaining the desired flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the flexibility mechanism from the surface dimension (deep grooves) to the thickness dimension (multiple thin layers). By creating flexibility through the stacking and bonding of thin slabs rather than surface grooving, the method preserves surface quality while achieving the required flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces a soft and flexible stone that can be adjusted in size and shape, providing unique visual and tactile properties for decorative articles.
Implementation Method 1
a grid of grooves or channels is laser-etched onto the back of the slab
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a flexible stone comprising the steps of supplying a stone in the form of a strip (1) having a first face (11) and a second face (12) opposite the first face (11); forming a plurality of grooves (2) in the strip (1) on the first face (11); fixing the first face (11) of the strip onto a flexible support (3) so as to form a composite strip (4); supplying a part (5) having a curved surface (6) and arranging the composite strip (4), support side (3), onto said curved surface (6); and applying pressure (7) to the second face (12) so as to generate cracks (8) on the grooves (2) and to obtain a flexible composite strip (4). The invention also relates to a decorative article comprising the flexible stone obtained by said method.